Hurricane Ian

I’m sure many brethren have heard about Hurricane Ian across Florida and the surrounding area although amny may not as it did not receive much coverage. However, the devastation was shockimg with many people (and brethren) losing houses or having severe damage. One such lodge with some damage was Fort Myers Beach Lodge No. 362. There was significant water damage and the floors are covered in mud. Water made it about 1 foot up into the building so it is necessary to open the walls and rip out the flooring before mould sets in. Being higher up than the road, the lodge was lucky, if that’s the correct term. With power back on after 5 days, the building was “fogged” with mold prevention, and antibacterial. Damage could be around $100,000. A crew of lodge Brothers as done all of the work. At least seven brothers have lost everything they owned and all have been relocated—at least they are safe.

Brethren from the east and also Grand Lodge provided food and water in Tropical Lodge No.56 to help towns. Many brethren unloaded the supples and distributed them to the waiting cars. This went on for about week as more food distribution sites opened up. Noah Lodge in North Fort Myers and The Lodge on Punta Gorda both lost the roofs.

The before and after on the right gives a better indication of the devastation with over 100 deaths. Out thoughts are with the many familieswhohavebeenaffected.